Tag Archives: Biblical Studies

Biblical Studies, Poetic, Religion and Spirituality, Terminology

Friday Phraseology: Acrostics

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Acrostic. A poetic form where the initial letters of each line form a word, phrase, or alphabet. For example, Psalm 119 is structured around the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet (eight lines for each letter). Acrostics are sometimes thought to be mnemonic (memory) devices, but they are more readily viewed as literary or aesthetic devices whereby authors can use the constraints of the form (the acrostic itself) to contribute to the theme. In the case of Psalm 119, a *hymn in praise of *Torah, the author uses the twenty-two letters to show the total sufficiency of Torah.

Source: Arthur G. Patzia; Anthony J. Petrotta. Pocket Dictionary of Biblical Studies (p. 7). Kindle Edition.

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Apocalyptic, Bible, Christian Ed., Terminology

Biblical Nuggets: Apocalyptic

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Apocalyptic: A term used to describe a literary *genre and worldview where “secrets” are revealed about the heavenly world or the kingdom of God (and the end of the world). These secrets are usually delivered through dreams or visions or by otherworldly messengers (e.g., angels) and are expressed in vivid symbols or metaphors. Apocalyptic works flourished during the Greco-Roman period (c. 200 B.C. to A.D. 200) and are not limited to biblical books but were part of the broader culture of the Mediterranean world. Often in apocalyptic literature an admonition is given to the audience to persevere and to be faithful. The community is warned that it will experience a time of suffering, but this will be followed by vindication of the righteous and a punishment of the wicked. See also apocalypse; apocalypticism.

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Arthur G. Patzia;Anthony J. Petrotta. Pocket Dictionary of Biblical Studies (p. 13). Kindle Edition.

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